Former Brazilian football star Ronaldinho speaks to the press after being announced as a new signing for Italian club Ravenna FC in Miami, Florida, USA, on June 24, 2026. Photo by Reuters |
Eleven years after his last competitive stint with Fluminense in 2015, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner has officially returned to the sport.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star was unveiled by his new club in the Serie C during a special event in Miami, The Guardian reported.
Speaking about his decision to join the Italian club, Ronaldinho expressed his excitement.
“New colors, same smile. I can’t wait to be able to dance on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family,” he said, as quoted by The Independent. “Football has always been a source of joy for me, I want to bring the same spirit to Ravenna.”
Ronaldinho told Reuters that the move felt natural and straightforward, through his long friendship with the Cipriani family. The 2002 World Cup winner has also developed a strong relationship with Ravenna’s owner, Ignazio Cipriani.
Cipriani, who bought the club in 2024, shared his enthusiasm about the signing, noting that Ronaldinho was his idol growing up.
“His impact on the game extends far beyond football,” Cipriani said, as quoted by The Guardian. “Beyond what he brings to the club, I hope his involvement inspires a new generation of supporters to fall in love with Ravenna FC and become part of what we’re building for the future.”
While there is some skepticism regarding his exact role on the pitch, Cipriani confirmed that Ronaldinho will participate in at least one league match next season, and potentially more. Even when Ronaldinho’s football days are way behind him, the club president believes that signing a global icon of his stature will bring immense joy to the town and generate a level of publicity the club would not have otherwise reached.
Ravenna were founded in 1913 in the city of the same name, in the Emilia-Romagna region. The 113-year-old club have never played in Serie A. Ravenna won the Serie C four times before going bankrupt in 2012.
Cipriani, founder of the luxury hotel and real estate chain Mr. C, acquired Ravenna with the ambition of bringing his hometown team to Serie A. Last season, the club finished third in Serie C and missed out on promotion through the play-offs.
Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the best players of all time, winning the 2002 World Cup, the 1999 Copa America, and the 2005 Confederations Cup with Brazil. He was twice named FIFA World Player of the Year.
Ronaldinho, who nearly went bankrupt due to debt, is now financially stable thanks to income from advertising contracts, enjoying a carefree life surrounded by music, parties and global tours.
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